Gorilla race assembles the crazy for a good cause

Four or five times a year, the costumed-crazy walk the streets of downtown for whatever the reason — eternal awesomeness, to pick up women, to be picked up (that’s me) etc. Halloween night is the obvious biggie. But then there’s San Japan, which has done an amazing job of introducing the world of anime to downtown S.A. And just this past weekend we had the steampunk-happy AetherFest take place at the St. Anthony Hotel.

Prepare yourself, then, for the Gorilla Challenge this Saturday. It’s half “Amazing Race,” half “Fear Factor,” and it will challenge your physical limitations and religious beliefs all in the name of the San Antonio Food Bank.

The top finishers are due cash-money prizes, but there are separate winnings for the best dressed, as well as the charitable challenge. All teams are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Food Bank. The team that brings the most gets $100.

“In addition to that, one of the things we do is give them a challenge station,” Shariq Abdul Ghani, a Gorilla leader, said. “Everyone will have to interact with the San Antonio Food Bank at some level.”

In addition to the food drive, $5 from every entry goes toward the nonprofit.

The deadline to register is Thursday.

The challenge starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hard Rock Cafe, 111 W. Crockett St. Registration is $60 per person; and $18 for military, teachers and first-responders.